Sealing strip



. Sept. 16, 1952 s. D. BRADLEY SEALING STRIP 2 SHEETS SHEET l INVENTOR. Srmeu D. BRADLEY Filed Dec. 10, 1948 BY 2 HTTOR/VEV S. D. BRADLEY SEALING STRIP Sept. 16, 1952 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed Dec. 10, 1948 INVENTOR. 515mm D. BRADLEY BY Z i ,9 TTORNEV Patented Sept. 16, 1952 UNITED STATES lsioai A SEAH we- 'siis ifeiii ii. gazing, Detroit :Mic

Detroit,Mncoid florporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation oi' Micl igan II I name; be

s oitiii if (oi'ite-qs) The 15 a e tiip v a Weand'inore' par iciilarly to a resilient sealing stgip 4911 a a i t ze -f J ng separate pan s. in ed elt oei e 'fir' l n i eembq imew w v, snqwn' by way-pf exam le; ,such a sealing; strip may jllsedlior mounting a nzgeqglass angel in an qpenmg'providecl iii'a heet inetalpan H tici' la exainple' s' ,qmuen' use are-found the automotive jfild' wherein l such glass panelstare widelyn'sedfas liked Windshields and as fixed rear bodywindows" I v The s 11 eviceswhichare used atthe pres: ent time 'consls't of .an'fela'stic or resilientextruded channel stiib' .yvhich'iprovides a channel portion oflthgilass panelare mounted I I II poiftionsare provided for en agingwithfafs uot iral part of the car bod 'as for example the edges '1 of the ,sheet metal body paiilsfor holdingjthfsaigi. channel strip'fandn-the glass p nfel in pla'ceinth'e body opi ar i i r ig v Due-to variaticir'is in I of, the glass. 7 panels and yariar tions' in 'thenimensions o f the openings in sheet metalfpafnls, ithas;beenionndthat. the-glass holding channel pQTtiOn of I the strip istirequently cleformed ixi' snoh n anner, as to, make difficult the proper watertightattachmentof the strip to boththe glass pane; and to the edges of theop enw, ing" in "the carf body. 7 Any I space occurring, be-,

tween theseali'ngstrib I and the glass morbhetween theseal'ing s npfan'd the bodypanels must therefore be'avoiddto preventleakage. 7.

glass and between the stiip' and the edges'oi the opening 'in the may.

mounting for the edges of a thereinandin which a cla' sealing malteifi' contact 'withal I panels'ffancli o inaintam such intimate contact during the seriiice life' of the str ib. V

Ir s a: urth i bie t tore teen:

ma's's' assembly of the panels to be joined by the saidse'alingstrip,v l,

Other" objects or this ifi'viitiifivhi appear in hicle windshield in which a panel of gla'ssis 1 joined bylthe'i sealing-"strip of the-'present inven- Where such plibjl Q sea' f n g strips I have been formedbi 'afiiit'ruded i'nbber or resilient, plasti composition; it has been fonnd that the aging and deterioration of'*snch "n ate 'ial wil l change. its originali'es'ilinojin siioh a manner, that leak; ages "will ocu'r' both between the strip and; the i Fr t ,w e et-ii htf a es of the connected tionitoethe .edges of the windshield oiieriingiii the sheetpmetalipanel of"the vehicle body which is indicated inzphantomlines. 1 :Figs 21153581111 enlargedseotion Withportions shownfiinapant; takensubstantially on the line 2-:e2x-inthe-'direction ot-the arrows,=*Fig; 1;, and indicating inephantom line-the position of portionsofmthe sealing stripbefore being forced into the,assembledmositionx v Eigi.- 3- is an enlargedfragmentary front e1e vationjofstheesealing strip shown in Fig. 2, with portions of-vthe elastic covering broken away and showing the-interior construction. 1

Fig. 4 is an elevation of =a-rear window mounted in "the. rear window opening of the sheet metal paneliofo a. vehiclehody which -is-indicated in the phantomnlineeaind inwhich the sealing strip of the jireseiitflinventiondsntilized.

.Fig. .5 is Janenlarged section with portions shlo'wnfin" panland --taken--substantial1y onthe line'li5. -,-s-v5 in.the direction oi the a-rrows, Figwi' Fig. ...6 is a an enlarged f ragmentary-elevation*oi the, sealing'lstrip shown in FigVS with portions of the elastic coveringflbroken away and showing I the interior construction 1 Before explaining'the present invention in detail'it 151701138 understood" that the invention is not: limited. in' its application" to the details of construction and arra'rigenieiitof" parts 'illus tra'tedin the accompanying di 'awings sinoe the" inventionismapabioftif other' ernhediments and of -ben1g:practicedior oa id out in various ways I Also itristto' be i understood" that the phraseology or terminolo'gy em loyed" herein 'is 'foi th e pu poseof description aiidnot of "limitation.

e' In its preferred embodiment the" sealing s ti ip of the present. invention" consist of-"a yieldable body :portiori comprising a "ifiiefor'ih'd "cojhtpu q I non-metallic strip prefer'ablji fo'ifiied' of an felas I tomerimplastic snclrfor example as'a "polyvinyl material or a -rul'itn'a-f1:ormaound.' Inside the may 1550 to 'p1 0videfa"sealingistiip hich can he installed, economicallyflby unskillii lvvorlgmenin large scale: 7

bodvportionin weather-tight engagement (the adjacentedges *of" the connected panels.

While the invention is here disclosed for use in automobile body construction, it is to be understood that its use is not limited to this field as the strip may be used to advantage in any construction where adjacent panel edges are to be joined in a weather-tight joint. Other adaptations of the present invention include, by way of example, panels used in prefabricated building constructions, window glass mountings used in all types of vehicles, and window glass mountings used in the construction industry, particularly the large fixed glass panels frequently identii'ied as so-called picture Windows.

The yieldable non-metallic body portion is separately formed by any known molding or extrusion processes and can be supplied in long lengths from which portions of the proper length may be cut as desired. The metallic body memher is inserted in a recess groove provided in the yieldable non-metallic body portion. Suitable lengths are cut off as required for the particu-- lar installation. In some instances, the strip is bent to extend around one of the panels to be joined and is united at its ends to form a continuous element. In other instances it may be cut to lengths required to form mitered joints at the corners of the panel. In other instances it may be used as a single length of strip for joining the edges of two panels of substantially equal lengths.

A sealing strip of the present invention is shown in two of its possible forms in the drawings. Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the sealing strip [0 comprises a yieldable non-metallic body which connects the fixed glass windshield panel I l with the edges of the windshield opening provided in the body panel I2, provides a resilient cushion therebetween, and seals the peripheral space between the edges of the joined panels. As shown in Fig. 2, the strip I0 is formed in one piece to provide a U shaped glass retaining channel portion l3, which overlies the edge and a portion of the sides of the glass windshield panel il.

One edge of the channel l3 merges into an overhanging downwardly curved lip is which may be utilized as the outside garnish molding,

in which event, the entire sealing strip is preferably formed from a resilient plastic material of a suitable color. When so used, the sealing strip replaces the conventional metal garnish trim molding and anti-squeak strip required therewith. The opposite edge of the channel portion (3 merges into an extending wing portion l5 having an elongated resilient lip which lies tightly against a face of the body panel and provides a tight seal thereon. A U shaped channel 18 for receiving and overlying the edge and part of the side portion of the opening in the body panel 12 is provided in the wing portion 55. An ex" tending lip I1 is provided adjacent one edge of the channel I S and extends under the bottom of the channel l3 and in spaced relation thereto. A reversely curved channel i8 is provided in the body strip l0 and extends between the lip l1 and the channel l3 and extends in spaced relation around the three sides of the channel l8. A metal strip indicated generally by the numeral 19 is located in the channel I 8 and has a U shaped portion which extends around the closed end of the U shaped channel [3. One edge of the metal strip I9 is provided with spaced tabs 2! which occupy the dotted line positions shown in Fig. 2 prior to assembly of the panels.

In assembly, the strip I 0 is preferably mounted on the glass panel I 1 whose edges are gripped in the U shaped channel l3. The glass panel H and the attached strip is then positioned in the opening in the body panel 12 and the U shaped channel I6 is positioned over the edge of the body panel l2. The metal tabs 2| occupy the position shown in dotted line in Fig. 2 until a force is applied as indicated by the arrow 22 which causes the tabs 2! to be bent over the adjacent edges of the panel [2 and to be engaged tightly therewith. This bending of the metal tabs 2! exerts a clamping force on the entire sealing strip l0 and causes it to engage the edge portions of the glass panel H tightly in the channel [3 in a weather-tight seal at the same time that the edges of the panel l2 are engaged by the channel It in a similar weather-tight seal.

The construction shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 is similar in general operation and function to that shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, but its construction is modified as required to adapt it more particularly for use in providing a recessed mounting of a window panel outside an attaching flange provided around the window opening in the body panel.

As here shown, the glass panel 30 is connected with the body panel 3| by the connector strip 32 which comprises an extruded or molded yieldable non-metallic body portion having an open U shaped channel 33 for receiving the edges of the glass panel 30. One side on the channel 33 terminates in a bevelled edge as at 33A. The other side of the channel merges into the extending curved hook portion 34 which engages the offset attaching flange 35 of the body panel 3|. A lip 35 extends from the hook portion 34 under the channel 33 and is provided with downwardly opening toothed serrations 31 which engage with the adjacent surface of the body panel 3|. The serrations 3'! assist in permitting the strip to conform readily to the contours of the panel surface to effect a weather-tight seal and also provide an additional cushioning effect. The lip 36 terminates in the extending flap 38 which underlies the metallic trim molding as. The said trim molding 39 provides a metallic frame which extends around the entire window opening.

An open channel 43 is provided in the strip 32 and a metallic clamping strip 4! is placed therein and extends in spaced relation around the closed end of the U shaped channel 33 and has deformable tab portions extending into the hook portion 34. The metallic strip 4| is also folded to provide an extending arm portion 42 which aids in holding the lip 36 in intimate contact with the adjacent face of the body panel. An upturned lug 43 is formed on the strip 4| which has a snap engagement with the turned inside flange of the metal trim molding 39 to assist in holding it in position.

In this embodiment of the invention the tabs on the metallic strip 4| are bent from the dotted line position shown in Fig. 5 to the solid line position there shown by the application of pressure in the direction indicated by the arrow 44. This causes the hook portion 34 of the sealing strip to engage the flange 35 in a weather-tight seal and also exerts clamping forces on the channel 33 causing it to be tightened to form a weathertight seal with the surfaces of the glass panel 30.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a sealing strip in which a yieldable nonmetallic cushioning channel strip is provided to engage the edges of the panels to be connected, and in which the engagement between the channel strip and the edges of the panels is increased and strengthened by a deformable me- 5 tallic strip inserted in an interior channel provided in the body of the said yieldable nonmetallic cushioning channel strip. The metallic strip is readily deformed during mounting of the panels and acts to increase the tightness of the seal between the sealing strip and the faces of the joined panels. It remains as a permanent part of the sealing strip and continues to exert a clamping force on the resilient portions thereof during the entire service life of the strip.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. A sealing strip for connecting adjacent edges of joined panels and for sealing the joint therebetween irrespective of small variations or irregularities that may exist in spacing of said adjacent edges, said strip comprising a yieldable non-metallic cushioning strip having open channels for receiving the edges of the panels to be joined and having an internal channel, a metallic strip in said internal channel and having portions extending around the closed ends of said open channels so that bending of said portions toward said open channels will exert a clamping action on the opposite sides of said open channels and clamp said yieldable non-metallic cushioning strip in weather-tight engagement with the edge portions of the connected panels, said metallic strip being loosely inserted in said internal channel so that it can be bent to accommodate small variations or irregularities in the spacing of said adjacent edges while permitting the nonmetallic cushioning strip to receive the edges of the panels in weather-tight engagement.

2. A sealing strip for connecting adjacent edges of joined panels and for sealing the joint therebetween irrespective of small variations or irregularities that may exist in spacing of said adjacent edges, said strip comprising a resilient sealing strip member having reversely opening channels therein for receiving the adjacent edges of the panels to be joined and having an internal channel therein extending around the closed end of one of the open channels to the opposite side of the other channel, and a metallic strip in said internal channel and havin an end portion extending outwardly therefrom, said metallic strip having each of its ends bent toward the reversely opening channels so that a clamping force may be exerted on the resilient sealing strip to maintain a weather-tight seal between the sealing strip member and the adjacent edges of the panels, said metallic strip being loosely inserted in said internal channel so that it can be bent to accommodate small variations or irregularities in the spacing of said adjacent edges while permitting the non-metallic cushioning stripto receive the edges of the panels in weather-tight engagement.

3. A sealing strip as claimed in claim 1 and further characterized in that said metallic strip comprises extending lug portions which overlie an edge of one of said open channels and which are bent after the panels are in their joined positions to increase the clamping pressure between the panels and said open channels and to form a weather-tight seal therebetween.

4. A sealing strip as claimed in claim 1 and. further characterized in that lugs are provided on said metallic strip to permit attachment of a trim molding thereto.

5. A sealing strip as claimed'in claim 4 and further characterized in that said yieldable nonmetallic cushioning strip comprises an extruded elastic member having elastic sealing flaps adapted to overlie a portion of the surfaces of one of the joined panels.

6. A sealing strip for connecting adjacent edges of joined panels and for sealing the joint therebetween, said strip comprising a resilient sealing stripmember having reversely opening channels therein for receiving the adjacent edges of the panels to be joined and having an internal channel therein extending around the closed end of one of the open channels to the opposite side of the other channel, said sealing strip member having a relatively long lip portion projecting therefrom to form a trim overlying an adjacent face of one of the joined panels, and a metallic strip loosely inserted in said internal channel and having an end portion extending outwardly therefrom; said metallic strip having each of its ends bent toward the reversely opening channels so that a clamping force may be exerted on the resilient sealing strip member to maintain a weathertight seal between the sealing strip member and the adjacent edges of the panel.

'7. A sealing strip as claimed in claim 6 and further characterized in that said relatively long lip portion in said resilient sealing strip member is curved and contoured to form a non-metallic garnish trim molding.

8. A sealing strip as claimed in claim 6 and further characterized in that said metallic strip includes a plurality of upturned lugs for receiving and holding a separate trim molding in intimate contact with a surface of said resilient sealing strip member.

STEPHEN D. BRADLEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,261,038 Sherts Oct. 28, 1941 2,270,036 Conlon Jan. 13, 1942 2,456,175 Coppock et al Dec. 14, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 100,311 Australia 1937 

